“Ecology” simply means the study of interrelationships and connections among and between all parts of the environment, including humans. Ecology is the foundational science that should govern our management of the land. If we ignore or misapply ecological principles, we will suffer consequences both presently and in the future. As we apply and integrate sound ecology-based principles into our management, we reap many tangible benefits, sometimes called ecosystem services. The science of ecology integrates many closely associated disciplines, including soil science, botany, zoology, chemistry, hydrology, agricultural science, and wildlife management. - Steve Nelle with Iliana Peña, Lessons from Leopold © 2024